FAQs about COPD treatment costs

How much does COPD treatment cost?

Your healthcare provider may prescribe two different types of inhalers for you: a rescue inhaler and a maintenance inhaler. 

The average retail price of albuterol HFA, a rescue inhaler, is $104 for one inhaler of 8.5 gm of 90 mcg/act (200 inhalations) without insurance. You can save 80% and pay $20 with a SingleCare prescription drug discount card. 

Without insurance, the normal cash price for fluticasone-salmeterol (generic Advair), a maintenance inhaler, is $434 for one 60-dose inhaler containing 250-50 mcg/act. However, with a free Advair coupon from SingleCare, you can save 88% and pay $50.

The exact cost of your COPD treatment depends on your particular insurance plan, its copays/coinsurance, and its deductibles. Check your plan’s formulary or contact your insurance company for a price estimate. 

Which COPD inhalers are capped at $35?

Several drug manufacturers voluntarily reduced the out-of-pocket cost of brand-name COPD inhalers to $35 or less per month for eligible patients. Your exact cost will depend on your plan formulary, whether you have a deductible, or need prior authorization. Contact your insurance plan for more information. 

Generic medications may cost even less, depending on your insurance plan. Also, not every inhaler is capped at $35. If your medication cost is too high, your provider or pharmacist can help.

Those with government-funded insurance, such as Medicaid and Medicare, do not qualify for these discounts. Those who do not qualify may be eligible for savings cards and other assistance programs on the manufacturer’s websites.

List of inhalers for COPD that are capped at $35, according to the American Lung Association:

• Atrovent HFA

• Combivent respimat

• Spiriva handihaler and Spiriva respimat

• Striverdi Respimat

• Bevespi Aerosphere

• Breztri Aerosphere

• Symbicort

• Advair Diskus and HFA

• Anoro Ellipta

• Breo Ellipta

• Incruse Ellipta

• Serevent Diskus

• Trelegy Ellipta

• Ventolin HFA

Is COPD covered by insurance?

The cost of your medication with insurance may depend on your insurance plan, the prescribed quantity, and other factors. Most insurance plans typically cover some of the medication cost, but you may be responsible for a copay or coinsurance amount based on your coverage stage. You should consult your insurance company or pharmacist for more information about the cost of your medication with your plan. 

Medicare coverage will differ by plan, prescription, and coverage stage. To determine whether your Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage plan covers your medication, refer to your plan's drug formulary. 

Which organizations provide financial help to people with COPD?

If you are having trouble affording your medications, there are programs that provide financial help for COPD patients. Visit the American Lung Association for more information about financial assistance and other ways to save on your COPD medications. Eligibility requirements may apply. 

Can I use SingleCare to save on a nebulizer for COPD?

If your insurance does not cover a nebulizer or your copay is too high, SingleCare can save you money. All you need is a valid prescription for a nebulizer and a free SingleCare coupon. 

What is the best over-the-counter medicine for COPD?

COPD is best treated with prescription medications. OTC inhalers are not recommended for people with COPD. 

Your healthcare provider may recommend Mucinex to help loosen mucus and thin out bronchial secretions. SingleCare can help you save money on Mucinex if you have a valid prescription from your doctor. Speak with your healthcare provider before taking OTC medications for COPD.